Financial Aid Specialist

Salary: $5,874.30 - $7,432.20 MonthlyLocation : Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CAJob Type: Classified StaffJob Number: 00190Division: Student AffairsDepartment: Financial AidOpening Date: 03/30/2026FLSA: Non-ExemptFunding Type: DistrictHiring Salary Range: $5,874.30-$6,356.02Months of Service: 12Full-time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0Initial Screening Deadline: 04/12/2026Work Schedule (Approx.): Monday-Tuesday: 8:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m. AND Wednesday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Work hours may be adjusted as necessary to meet departmental needs.Start Date: As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.DescriptionSUMMARY DESCRIPTIONUnder the direction of the Director of Financial Aid, provide specialized assistance and information to applicants regarding the Financial Aid program; prepare and review needs analysis and packaging of Financial Aid applications; coordinate the activities of the programs and make award decisions. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the full journey level professional class within the Financial Aid Specialist series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Financial Aid Specialist by the performance of routine financial aid processing functions. Incumbents in this classification are further distinguished from the Senior level in that that latter assumes lead supervision over and provides work direction to lower level financial aid staff, coordinates financial aid program activities, makes award decisions and coordinates the implementation of new financial aid software or system functions. Incumbents at the journey level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. QualificationsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEAny combination equivalent to: two (2) years of college with major coursework in education, counseling or a related field AND two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in a student services or related program. One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.Before scanning attachments, remove/redact sensitive, confidential information such as date of birth, social security number, address and photograph.LICENSE OR CERTIFICATEValid California driver's license and a safe driving record. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIESKnowledge of:Federal and state Student Financial Assistance programs including policies, rules and regulations. Interviewing and advising techniques. Principles and practices of record keeping. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Ability to:Interpret and communicate complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures effectively. Advise, counsel and interview students from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet and database applications. Work independently with little direction. Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students. JOB DESCRIPTION:DutiesESSENTIAL DUTIESPrepare needs analysis and package of financial aid applicants; interpret and apply government and campus policies to determine appropriate award allocation for each applicant; establish student budgets and determine program eligibility; ensure compliance with state and Federal guidelines. Assist in the coordination of assigned state and Federal financial aid programs; monitor and request annual funding for assigned program to assure adequate funds are available for projected student awards; coordinate disbursement of funds with fiscal services staff to accurately disburse aid to eligible students in a timely fashion. Advise and counsel student applicants and recipients in all phases of financial aid; interview students and assess individual academic, financial and personal situations; determine impact of needs analysis; explain program regulations, requirements and institutional policies; assure accuracy and completeness of applications. Monitor and maintain the automated process to calculate satisfactory academic progress; review student educational plans; audit files to determine students' continued eligibility for financial aid. Reconcile financial aid overpayments; research, compile and generate necessary data and required documentation and reports; determine amount owed by student; assist in implementing collection procedures and practices; explain overpayments, causes and ramifications and provide assistance for resolutions. Participate in various college wide outreach functions; provide technical expertise to other personnel, faculty, students and the public regarding financial aid processes; coordinate activities with other related on-campus student services; refer students to social service agencies and other community resources as appropriate. Maintain external contacts with government agencies and other community colleges for the purpose of coordinating, obtaining and verifying information. Maintain current knowledge of complex regulations and requirements for assigned financial aid and student loan programs; attend and conduct various meetings; participate in on- and off-campus workshops.Supplemental InformationSALARY SCHEDULE: PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTThis is a non-telecommuting position.Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; possible exposure to dissatisfied individuals.Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.TENTATIVE TIMELINE: Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.March 30-April 12, 2026Position advertised; District receives applications.March 30-April 5, 2026District closed for Spring Break.April 12, 2026Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.April 20-May 1, 2026Reviewing of applications.May 4-8, 2026Search Committee interviews candidatesJune, 2026Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.Application Process:A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.For Academic positions (only)If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).American with Disabilities (ADA):Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at (619) 482-6395.Equal Employment Opportunity:As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report:SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (619) 482-6390.Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP):More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the website.Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities.For more information, please visit the webpage.01 Do you have at least two years of college with major coursework in education, counseling or a related field? If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application. Yes, I have at least two (2) years of college with major coursework in education, counseling or a related field.No, I do not have at least two (2) years of college with major coursework in education, counseling or a related field.I have the equivalent combination of education and experience in addition to the minimum requirements to supplement for 2 years of college.I possess a foreign degree and have attached my coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.02 Please describe your experience in a student services or related program that demonstrates at least two years of increasingly responsible duties. In your response, include the types of responsibilities you held, the level of autonomy you exercised, and how your role progressed overtime. Please ensure that all experience describe in your response is also reflected in your application and/or resume, as this information will be used to validate that you meet the minimum qualifications. Required Question